Your Toilet Is Running — What Gives?

One of the most frustrating things that can happen when you flush the toilet is the sound of a toilet that seemingly runs forever. You expect your toilet to make some sounds as the toilet bowl refills, but you certainly don't want to think that something else is happening.

If a running toilet has got you down, this information will help you figure out what you need to do next.

What Causes a Running Toilet?

In many cases, running toilets are caused by leaks. Leaks are especially dangerous because you could end up wasting (and paying for) a lot of water. You can waste gallons and gallons of water each day by letting your toilet run unnecessarily. If you notice your water bill increasing, this could be why.

Of course, leaks are not the only cause of a running toilet. It could also be that your refill tube is having some problems. It might sit below the water level, prompting you to hear it at work. Running toilets are also linked to the float ball, flush valve chain, and gaskets. The good news? Many of these problems can be fixed with a new part or changing the positioning of the current part.

How Do You Know If Your Toilet Has a Leak?

It's important that you take a look at the amount of water in your toilet tank. There's actually a really simple way to do this. Use a marker to track the level of water in your toilet tank before you shut off the water supply. If the water in the tank falls, it indicates that you have a leak.

You can also look at some of the parts of your toilet to learn more about potential problems. The flapper is one of those parts that tells you a lot about what is happening behind the scenes. The flapper could be out of place, which allows water to leak. Check the seal of the flapper to make sure that water isn't seeping through.

What If You Can't Fix the Problem Yourself?

If your toilet is running all the time, you may find that the problem is something you are unable to see. This is very common, and you are not alone. It's a good idea to call a plumber to help you diagnose and treat the problem.

If you have a major leak, it is also important that you call a plumber. Leaks are difficult to fix, and they are sometimes even harder to find.


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